Top tips for keeping safe on dog walks

People often ask, 'What is the safest way to walk a dog?' and 'When shouldn't you walk a dog?' and 'Is it better to walk a dog on grass or pavement?'. These are all valid questions to ask yourself when you're in a new place, perhaps on holiday. So we've created this useful blog to help.

Discover top tips for keeping your dog safe whenever you go out for walks while on holiday – these are some common-sense tips and other pointers we’d like to share with you. Some hazards only present themselves when you are on holiday with your dog, yet others in this blog are universal.

We love dogs at Canine Cottages, just like our partners at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and dog tech specialist, PitPat, and keeping them safe and sound is close to our hearts. Read on to discover how to make sure your four-legged friend stays out of harm’s way and find out more about the new 2026 law about livestock worrying. If you are holidaying with your dog in spring, take a peek at our blog for further reading.

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Dog walking in a new place

Holidays are full of excitement for you and your dog. Keep your pet safe by doing a spot of online research before each of your walks to anticipate hazards or restricted areas. You can also see if there are places where you could encounter fast traffic or cattle. There is also the risk of losing your pet if they are unfamiliar with the place you are walking in – is the area enclosed, is there a busy road nearby, or wild animal snares or burrows your pet could get themselves trapped inside?

Having your dog stolen is heartbreaking. The risk of theft is ever-present, and unfortunately, it could happen anywhere, so never leave your dog unattended, even if you are popping into a shop for a few minutes.

It is an extra disadvantage if you have lost sight of your pet in an unfamiliar place. We would advise giving them an orange or pink high-vis jacket if the weather is cool enough, so that you can see them easily if you have let them off the lead to have an explore. The weather has an impact on your surroundings too, like frozen lakes in the winter, as you can never tell how thin the ice is, or fast river currents that can appear calm on the surface. Find out about some of the UK's best dog walks in our fun blog.

Microchipping and tagging your dog

You shouldn't ever have to ask, 'how do you prevent dog theft on walks?'. However, if this is a concern of yours, read on...

PitPat reminds us that, in the UK, it’s a legal requirement for your dog to have a microchip and wear an ID tag on their collar or harness when they’re out and about. Before heading off on holiday, make sure the details on their microchip are up to date – that way, if they get lost, their microchip can be scanned, and you can be contacted so you can pick your dog up.

There are several online sites where you can register your dog for a small fee. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home use Petlog, for instance, and offers more information on microchipping on its website.

When it comes to tags, make sure they include your name, address and phone number. Choose a tag that attaches securely to their collar – flat tags, rather than ones that dangle, are great for this.

Here is an interesting guide about more handy dog accessories to consider buying for a walking holiday.

Buy a dog GPS tracker

PitPat recommends that, before going on holiday, you should buy a dog GPS tracker so you can quickly track them down if they get lost – especially in an unfamiliar place. Make sure the tracker you choose uses proper GPS technology and attaches securely to their collar or harness.

If you choose a PitPat Dog GPS Tracker, you won’t have to pay any subscriptions, plus you’ll get to find out just how active your dog is on holiday. In other words, how much time they spent enjoying those adventures with you!

Looking after your dog in extreme weather

Protecting your dogs in hot weather

Some dogs like nothing better than lazing in the sun; however, extended periods in the sunshine can hurt them. If you are out for a long walk during your summer break with Canine Cottages and the weather gets hot, make sure you can spend lots of time in the shade, and get them a regular drink of water.

Seriously consider staying inside with your dog when temperatures exceed 20 degrees C; hot pavements can burn their paws, and they can dehydrate quickly because their body temperature is higher than a human's, and our dogs can’t simply remove their coats. Consider drawing the curtains so they have a cool space, and provide them with plenty to drink. 

Here are some more tips on how to keep your dog cool in the summertime.  Read our blog about keeping your dog happy and healthy in summer.

Protecting your dogs in cold weather

Dogs are hardier than humans because most of them have warm coats to shield them from the cold and the worst of the weather. We think it’s worth buying them an insulated jacket to keep them extra toasty if they have thin coats.

All creatures have their limits, but temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius are deemed too cold. This is when hypothermia and frostbite may begin to have an effect; however, keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour to ascertain if it is too cold for them. If you and your dog are caught in rain or snow on your winter walk, then towel them down (checking between their toes for salt and grit) and get them warmed up as soon as you are back inside your car, home, or holiday cottage. For more advice, check out these handy tips from Battersea. 

Travel tips for dogs

If travelling a long distance with your dog, make sure that they are comfortable. Stop for regular comfort breaks before you reach your holiday cottage so that they can do their business and stretch their limbs. If possible, install a headrest guard to protect your dog and other occupants of the car – if you don’t have a large enough car, then consider installing a car seatbelt or a specially designed box seat for your pet.

Another item to make your dog’s area of the car comfortable is a non-slip boot liner, which can help your animal stay sat comfortably without skidding about on their claws and paws. 

Never leave your dog in your car on a hot day, even for a few minutes, as it could kill them. If your dog isn’t used to travelling, read this guide on how to get them comfortable with your car. 

Dogs on leads – and the new law you need to know about

When out and about, you can often keep your pet safe from danger if it is on a lead. This is particularly important in unfamiliar areas – unseen or unanticipated hazards for your dog may present themselves unexpectedly, like sudden drops, cliffs, traffic, deep water, fast currents, other dogs, or cattle.

New law to protect farm animals

When in the countryside, there aren’t always signs to follow like in the towns, so be extra vigilant and on the lookout for sheep and cows. Before crossing into a new field, check if there are any animals and act accordingly.

You may be wondering if dogs have to be on a lead around livestock. It is definitely good practice to keep them on a short lead when exploring rural areas where livestock are kept, especially in light of the new law.

Note: If you are being chased by cattle, you should let go of the lead.

What is the new dog law in the UK?

The new law, which came into effect on 18 March 2026 in England and Wales, sees farm animals given stronger protection from dog attacks.

Livestock worrying by dogs is a grave offence. What is livestock worrying, you may ask… Well, this occurs when a dog you own or are in charge of chases, attacks, or causes distress to livestock on agricultural land. It is important to note that ‘worrying’ doesn’t only occur if there is a physical attack; the law also covers scenarios where dogs scare pregnant animals to the point they abort. Even if your dog reacts to animals from a nearby path or road, you still might be liable, so plan your walks as much as you can.

Please don’t assume that your dog is not capable of chasing and harming lambs; in the moment, any dog can react, and removing the opportunity is your responsibility. The fine for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine, and under the new livestock worrying law, police have powers to seize and detain dogs at the financial cost of the owner.

What is the Countryside Code for dogs?

The Countryside Code rules are a collection of advice and guidance relating to conduct when enjoying parks and waterways, the coast, and the countryside. Whilst the Countryside Code isn’t law, you could land yourself in hot water and find that you are contravening the new law above if you don’t know what the code is.

Here are the full guidelines of the Countryside Code on the government website. However, in short, the code states that you should:

• Always keep your dog on a lead or in sight
• Have confidence that your dog will return on command
• Make sure your dog does not stray from the path or area where you have the right of access
• Bag and bin your dog poo in any public waste bin or take it home

Meeting other dogs

Dogs are territorial and need to get used to new surroundings and scents - exciting for some, daunting for others. Be mindful of other dogs and give them space if on the lead. Some pets tend to feel the need to square up to another similar-sized dog when tethered. If you see a dog off the lead walking at heel with their owner, it’s worth letting your own dog free (if there is no room to step aside) so they can introduce themselves calmly (and on an equal footing).  

Always give space to dogs wearing yellow – they may be a rescue dog with a nervous or angry temperament, they may be blind or deaf, or they may be assistance dogs. Either way, for safety and courtesy, please give them a wide berth. 

If you are eating, and your dog is waiting for scraps, be mindful of other dog owners, as this could cause your buddy to bark at the ‘interloper’. Where possible, also give attendant dogs in ‘picnic mode’ a very wide berth. Our dogs are only protecting what they think is theirs – who can blame them?

Protecting your dog from natural hazards

When out and about, make yourself aware of potential hazards such as poisonous plants, adders, and ticks. In the UK, we are relatively safe from deadly reptiles, bees and wasps, animals, and plants, but it is best to know what to keep an eye out for in order to keep your hound out of harm’s way.

Adders

Whilst adders are an uncommon sight in the UK, they are very present. You can find the European adder in hot weather in grasslands, sand dune systems and quarries. 

A bite is harmless to a human, but its venom is potentially deadly to a dog. Here is what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake in the UK. 

Plants poisonous to dogs in the UK

There are a number of plants that can cause your dog to be very ill. 

The most common one is rapeseed; when it’s in season, turning our fields gorgeous and yellow, keep your dog away. If they eat rapeseed, it causes vomiting and diarrhoea, and it has the potential to burn and irritate their skin. 

Other plants to avoid include blue-green algae, giant hogweed, wild mushrooms and fungi, foxgloves, rhubarb leaves, wild onion, garlic, and chives.

Bees and wasps

Dogs love chasing flying insects, but they are in for a nasty surprise if they tackle a bee or a wasp. 

A single sting will cause your dog mild irritation if it takes place on the body; there is a bit more to think about if they are stung inside the mouth, as the ‘wound’ may cause swelling and lead to breathing problems. 

If they have been stung more than once, then consult your vet immediately. Here is what to do if your dog has been stung by a bee or a wasp.

Ticks

Whilst ticks aren’t deadly, they are a major irritant for dogs. These parasites often lie in wait in tall grass and hop aboard your pet, burying their heads in their flanks. You can extract them with tweezers, as very often your dog can’t extract them without help. 

Tick season runs from spring to autumn, so it's worth consulting your vet to see if there is a suitable repellent against ticks for your pet. Check your pet regularly, or if you spot them nursing and worrying at a certain spot on their bodies, as it could be a tick. 

Finally, if you are planning a holiday, establish the whereabouts of your nearest vet and when they are open before you go.

Keeping your dog safe in a holiday home

A holiday home is a new adventure for you and your dog. When reading the property description at the time of booking consider whether the property is suitable for your specific needs. The online property photographs and blurb can help you decide in advance. However, on arrival, you can evaluate potential hazards more accurately. 

Think about nearby busy roads and how enclosed the garden is, and establish firmly with your pet where it is allowed to be (for instance, are there requests from the owners to keep your four-legged friends out of the bedrooms and off the sofas?) to keep your deposit out of danger too. 

Read our Canine Cottages checklist to make sure you have all you need for your dog on your next holiday cottage stay. For even more handy tips on keeping your dog safe and healthy, visit the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home microsite - click the button below.

Booking your dog-friendly break

After you've detected any hazards in your new space, you can relax and enjoy your dog-friendly holiday accommodation together with your canine companion. 

Why not visit our collection to feel inspired? We have pet-friendly places to stay all across England, Scotland and Wales.